What is Desitin Rapid Relief Creamy (zinc oxide topical)?

Zinc oxide rectal suppositories are used to treat itching, burning, irritation, and other rectal discomfort caused by hemorrhoids or painful bowel movements.

Zinc oxide topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Desitin Rapid Relief Creamy (zinc oxide topical)?

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Slideshow: Welcome to Parenthood! 10 Things To Prepare Yourself For

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using Desitin Rapid Relief Creamy (zinc oxide topical)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to zinc, dimethicone, lanolin, cod liver oil, petroleum jelly, parabens, mineral oil, or wax.

Zinc oxide topical will not treat a bacterial or fungal infection. Call your doctor if you have any signs of infection such as redness and warmth or oozing skin lesions.

It is not known whether zinc oxide topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether zinc oxide topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use Desitin Rapid Relief Creamy (zinc oxide topical)?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Apply enough of this medication to cover the entire area to be treated. Zinc oxide often leaves a thin white residue that may not be entirely rubbed in.

To treat chapped skin, minor burn wounds, or other skin irritations, use the medication as often as needed. Apply a thin layer to the affected area and rub in gently.

To treat diaper rash, use this medication each time the diaper is changed. It is especially important to apply the medication at bedtime or whenever there will be a long period of time between diaper changes.

Keep the diaper area clean and dry to prevent worsening of skin rash. Change wet diapers as soon as possible. Allow the skin to dry thoroughly before putting on a fresh diaper.

When using the powder form of this medicine, pour the powder slowly to avoid a large puff into the air. Do not allow a baby to handle a powder bottle during use. Always close the lid after using the powder.

Zinc oxide rectal suppositories come with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Wash your hands before and after inserting a rectal suppository.

Try to empty your bowel and bladder just before using the suppository. Cleanse and dry your rectal area thoroughly.

Remove the outer wrapper from the suppository before inserting it. Avoid handling the suppository too long or it will melt in your hands.

For best results, stay lying down after inserting the suppository and hold it in your rectum for a few minutes. The suppository will melt quickly once inserted and you should feel little or no discomfort while holding it in.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor if your condition does not improve within 7 days of treatment.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the tube cap tightly closed when not in use.

You may store zinc oxide rectal suppositories in a refrigerator to prevent melting.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since zinc oxide is used on an as needed basis, you are not likely to miss a dose. Using extra zinc oxide to make up a missed dose will not make the medication more effective.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using Desitin Rapid Relief Creamy (zinc oxide topical)?

Avoid applying other skin medications on the same treatment area with zinc oxide, unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid getting this medication in your mouth or eyes. If this does happen, rinse with water right away. Do not use zinc oxide topical on deep skin wounds or severe burns. Get medical attention for more severe skin irritation or injury.

Desitin Rapid Relief Creamy (zinc oxide topical) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using zinc oxide rectal suppositories and call your doctor if you have rectal bleeding or continued pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied zinc oxide. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Related treatment guides

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about zinc oxide topical.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.